Medial Epicondylitis
Golfer’s & Baseball Elbow Specialist in Kenosha and Burlington, WI
What is medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s and Baseball Elbow)?
Medial epicondylitis is also known as golfer’s elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow. It’s characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.
What causes medial epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis is caused by the excessive force used to bend the wrist toward the palm. This can happen when swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Other possible causes of medial epicondylitis include:
- Serving with great force in tennis or using a spin serve
- Weak shoulder and wrist muscles
- Using a too tightly strung, too short, or too heavy tennis racket
- Throwing a javelin
- Carrying a heavy suitcase
- Chopping wood with an ax
- Operating a chain saw
- Frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis
What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?
How is medial epicondylitis diagnosed?
Treatment for medial epicondylitis
The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may look like other medical problems or conditions. Always see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Treatment for medial epicondylitis includes stopping the activity that produces the symptoms. It is important to avoid the movement that caused the condition in the first place. Treatment may include:
- Ice pack application (to reduce inflammation)
- Strengthening exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Bracing
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgery (rare)
